Spicy Brinjal Quinoa

Yet another dish using quinoa - the healthy food. This spicy brinjal quinoa can be taken as lunch or dinner .

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Serves : 1 person

INGREDIENTS:

Quinoa - 1/2 cup
Brinjal - 1 no.s
Onion - 1/2 cup
Turmeric powder -1/2 teaspoon
Salt - as required
Water - 1.25 cups
Oil - 2 tablespoon
Mustard -1/2 teaspoon
Cumin seeds -1/2 teaspoon
Urad dal - 1/2 teaspoon

MASALA POWDER:

Peanuts -  2 table spoon
Coriander seeds -1/2 teaspoon
Bengal gram / kadalai paruppu - 2 teaspoon
Urad dal -2 teaspoon
Dry red chilli - 3 to 4 no.s(Depending on your spice level)
Cumin seeds -2 teaspoon

METHOD:

1. In a pan, dry roast peanuts and set aside. In the same pan,again dry roast the remaining items mentioned in the MASALA POWDER section and grind them all along with peanuts in to a smooth powder.

2. In a skillet wash quinoa in running water. In a pan, add 1.25 cups of water and add quinoa and cook for 20-25 minutes, till they turn transparent and bigger in size. Occasionally stir in between.

3. Now in a pan, add oil. Add mustard, cumin seeds and urad dal. Then add onions and fry for few minutes. Then add diced brinjals. Also add turmeric powder and salt. Sprinkle some water and stir for 3 to 4 minutes , till the brinjals are 3/4th cooked. Do not overcook brinjals as they would turn mushy. Little crunchiness of brinjal add taste to this dish.

4. Now add the masala powder which you prepared in step 1 and mix gently.

5. Now add cooked quinoa and mix well.

6. Serve  brinjal quinoa with any dry curry of your choice !